PH, Korean air forces put on a show in Pampanga

Jets of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) on Monday wowed onlookers with an impressive airshow at Clark Airbase in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

In a 24 Oras report by Jasmine Gabriel-Galban of GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon, Monday’s airshow and friendship flight was part of a 3-day event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea  

 

The highlight of the event was the performance of the Black Eagles aerobatic team from Korea and Filipino pilots from the 7th Tactical Fighter "Bulldogs" Squadron.

From takeoff to landing the Black Eagles did not disappoint. Eight KAI T-50B Golden Eagles took off simultaneously. They were soon followed by four PAF FA-50s which are light combat aircraft purchased from South Korea.

After the friendship flight where the Filipinos and Koreans flew in close formation, the Black Eagles regaled the crowd with precision flying and jaw-dropping 23 aerial maneuvers, showcasing their training as well as the T-50's outstanding maneuverability and acceleration in a 30-minute display.

“Very memorable yung flight, we share the same passion in flying,” said PAF Major Kermit Quijano.

Major Yung Ha Park of the Black Eagles shared the same sentiments, “It’s really a big memory and I cannot forget this.”

For many of the visitors, it was their first time to watch an airshow, and they applauded with gusto.

The event also symbolizes the firm bond between the two countries, according to the Department of National Defense (DND).

“We are honored to have the Black Eagles here, to show us what the Korean metal is made of and we can learn not only in modernization  but also in terms of the meticulousness by which the Korean armed forces pay attention to their procedures, logistics, maintenance and other support,” said Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.

PAF spokesperson Colonel Consuelo Castillo said they are expecting additional air assets as part of the Air Force’s Horizon 2 program.

The last time PAF and ROKAF planes performed at an airshow was in 2022 at Basa Airbase in Floridablanca.—RF, GMA Integrated News